The LEGO Group has partnered with the WEURO this summer to celebrate the ladies who are inspiring the next generation and, as part of that campaign, we got the opportunity to catch up with Manchester City and England player Steph Houghton...
You've partnered up with The LEGO Group on a new campaign, so can you tell us a little bit about that?
I’m one of the LEGO Group X WEURO ambassadors. The LEGO Group are working with the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 this summer as part of their mission to empower all children to express their creativity through play, whether that’s on the pitch, or with LEGO bricks, and to help ensure children’s creative ambitions aren’t limited by gender stereotypes, both now and in the future, and brings together two of the nations’ favourite pastimes - football and LEGO building – as well as shared values around inclusive play for all children, so it’s fantastic to be involved.
As part of the partnership, The LEGO Group have launched the ‘Play Your Own Way’ lessons plans. These lesson plans are designed to encourage children to hero their role models and their unique hobbies and passions by exploring their creativity through LEGO brick building and drawing challenges and are available to download from the Schools Area section of the Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme.
As a child, who were some of your most memorable role models you would look up to?
They were David Beckham and Steven Gerrard! And also, because I’m a Sunderland fan… Kevin Phillips! All were at the top of their game when I first started to play and take it more seriously!
You are one of the leading faces when it comes to equality in sport, do you ever feel a pressure that comes with that?
There is always pressure to represent women in sport every day and to continue the fight to push for equal opportunities and be the best professional in my sport. I feel we have come a long way in this area and we are continuing to improve and grow every area of our game!
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What have been some of your most rewarding moments in your career to-date?
Playing at the highest level for club and country! Winning trophies, England captain and receiving a MBE!
How are you getting on with your recovery from injury?
I have worked with the best people to get me in a position to be back on the pitch doing what I love to do. It’s been tough from a physical and mental point of view, but it has been important to stick to the plan and get back playing for [Manchester] City!
We like to ask everybody we speak to for Female First three questions! The first is, which women in your life have inspired and helped shape you?
My Mam, Nanna and Grandma. All are so loving, caring, strong and driven.
Who have been some of your favourite women to work with in your career?
Hope Powell, Mo Marley, Faye White and Rachel Yankey!
Finally, what does the idea of ‘woman’ mean to you?
It isn’t about being a woman to me. I just want to be the best person I can be. I do something I always dreamed of doing and I am fortunate to have the opportunity. I want to be the best I can be, help my family, friends, teammates and colleagues and I hope that I can help inspire girls and boys to play and enjoy football and sport in general. Just be the best person you can be.
MORE: Liverpool FC's Niamh Fahey discusses womens' football, supplementing and the Women's Super League
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